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Updated: May 19, 2026
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How to Create and Use Binocular Rivalry
Published on: November 10, 2010
Inattention abolishes binocular rivalry: perceptual evidence
Jan W Brascamp1, Randolph Blake
1Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University. j.w.brascamp@gmail.com
Psychological Science
|August 31, 2012
Summary
Binocular rivalry, an unstable perception when viewing different images with each eye, requires attention. Inattention effectively halts binocular rivalry, making the stimulus seem removed from view.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Perception Psychology
Background:
- Binocular rivalry is a phenomenon where alternating visual stimuli presented to each eye lead to an unstable perceptual experience.
- The role of attention in sustaining binocular rivalry has been a subject of ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide direct perceptual evidence on whether binocular rivalry persists during periods of inattention.
- To investigate the relationship between attention and the occurrence of binocular rivalry.
Main Methods:
- A novel experimental paradigm was employed to manipulate attention to a binocular rivalry stimulus.
- Observers selectively withdrew and re-engaged attention to the stimulus during rivalry.
- Perceptual reports were collected after periods of inattention.
Main Results:
- Perceptual reports during inattention significantly deviated from expected rivalry continuation.
- Reported perceptions precisely matched conditions where the stimulus was physically absent.
- Inattention was found to abolish binocular rivalry.
Conclusions:
- Binocular rivalry is critically dependent on the presence of attention.
- Withdrawing attention from a binocular rivalry stimulus is perceptually equivalent to its removal.
- Attention is a necessary condition for binocular rivalry to occur.
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